Ridetech 4 link question

[aany001]

Hey guys in the middle of installing ridetechs 4 link in my 69 camaro and got a question about the adjustable upper links. Does the adjustable heim joint end go to the upper cradle or to the diff? Also what spacers should go in there at the heim joint. There's 2 different size spacers. Also the upper tabs are they marked as for their orientation on the diff?
Thanks
Steve

[Oleyellar]

Hiems go to the axle side fixed bushing to the crossmember. Spacers go either side of the hiems. Only one size spacer fits the link joint, the others are for the shocks. Correct on the tabs for the rear axle.

[aany001]

So if the heim end goes to the diff isn't it more difficult to adjust it later? Also how do I figure out the tabs on the diff? Wish they were marked.

[Oleyellar]

The instructions explain the orientation of the tabs, If I remember right, the long tails go the the rear, really, they just need to fit the housing nicely so they can be welded. As far as adjustment of the upper links, well, the bolts have to come out of one end or the other.

[aany001]

I didn't see anything about the tabs and their location. All I can see is two and two are the same and 2 have ridetechs script on them.

[Tinker]

The holes in the axle tabs have more material on one side vs the other. The thicker side will be facing the front of the car as the forces will be pulling on the upper links. Once mocked up they should fit ok, but the ends might need some finessing with a hammer to close the gap with the axle. This is assuming a gm axle, I just replaced mine with a 9 inch and then it's minor surgery due to the wider center section.

[marolf101x]

From the 1st Gen F-Body 4-link install instructions, page 3, step 13:
Check the length of the upper bar; it
should be 9 ¼” C-C. Bolt the axle tabs
to the upper bar as shown in the picture.
Then place the other end into the cradle.
Both ends use a 5/8” x 2 3/4" and should
not be fully tightened yet. For now just
the let axle tabs sit on the axle.

I have attached the image shown in step 13.

The tabs are of two different sizes so they fit the axle better. The tabs may require some massaging to fit the axle closely for welding.

So long as the upper link is 9.25", you keep the upper link ends parallel** (less important with heim ends, but good practice anyway), and the rear is centered, the tabs fit however they fit.
**This is why we provide a "fake" upper link as it allows you to install the tabs in the same plane as the tabs on the cross member. The description of this device is on page 6 of the instructions. I have attached an image of it.

Here's a link to the instructions:
http://www.ridetech.com/store/index.php?dispatch=attachments.getfile&attachment_id=133

[Grnova]

Once again Ridetech the best in customer service

[aany001]

Well after a bunch of measuring we got the cradle welded in the car as well welding up all the brackets. It all went in as described but with some massaging as we all know every car is a bit different. Thanks for all the help guys. I hope to have it sitting on all fours tomorrow night. Pics to come. 👍👍👍

[Sheck44]

Folks ... Don't mind Steve, He's Canadian and he's a little slow

:mock: :mock:

Steve

[aany001]

Now now be nice. Sorry for being so fussy. I just hate doing things twice 😬😬